Statewide Cesspool Conversion Navigation Program

Establish a statewide Cesspool Conversion Navigation Program to help Hawaiʻi homeowners navigate the complex cesspool conversion process, including permitting, engineering, contractor selection, financing, and project management. Hawaiʻi's mandate to convert approximately 83,000 cesspools by 2050 presents significant financial, technical, and administrative challenges for homeowners, and despite extensive state study and established financing programs, homeowners still lack practical resources to navigate conversions. The program would reduce unnecessary costs and delays and accelerate conversions that protect Hawaiʻi's groundwater and coastal ecosystems.

The initiative envisions three phases:

• Phase 1 — Homeowner Resources and Service-Provider Engagement: Develop comprehensive, island-specific conversion guides, permitting roadmaps, financing information, service-provider directories, and project-management tools, informed by homeowner feedback, business outreach, and regulatory agencies. These resources would empower homeowners to navigate conversions independently.

• Phase 2 — Navigator Program Development: Design and pilot a staffed homeowner navigation and technical assistance program, including professional coordination and referral systems.

• Phase 3 — Statewide Implementation: Secure ongoing operational funding and expand navigation services statewide.

This proposal seeks Green Fee funding for Phase 1 only, delivering immediately useful homeowner resources while laying the groundwork for future assistance.